When you think of macadamia nuts, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t your skincare routine. After all, this tropical, flavorful nut is usually more closely associated with desserts or Hawaiian cuisine, and there are tons of other oils -- like jojoba oil or squalane -- that usually take center stage in the skincare aisle.
But if you’re notusing macadamia nut oil in your skincare products, you may be missing out. Here’s why.
First, the basics: what is macadamia oil, how is it extracted, and why is it healthy for your skin?
This yellow-white oil comes directly from pressing macadamia nuts. Like the nuts themselves, macadamia nut oil is rich in:
With all that in mind, how can applying macadamia nut oil affect your skin?
Macadamia nut oil naturally has a ton of fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, and phytosterols. When applied topically, these oils help repair the skin’s sebum barrier and prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Translation? Stronger skin, less acne, less redness, and fewer wrinkles.
Like any non-comedogenic oil, macadamia nut oil can also help balance your own sebum production thanks to its high concentration of natural vitamins and oils. Seems counterintuitive? It’s not!
Here’s how it works: your skin naturally produces oils. Well, if you have oily skin -- or dehydrated skin that’s become oily to overcompensate-- then you’re producing too much. By applying a biomimetic oil topically, you can clue your skin in and let it know, “Hey, you don’t have to produce so much oil any more!” The result? More balanced, even-looking skin.
Phytosterols, in particular, are antioxidants that work to build our cellular membranes and stop collagen breakdown in the body. When applied topically, these compounds can decrease redness and even stop allergic response, leading to less red, irritated skin.
As we mentioned, macadamia nut oil has high concentrations of palmitoleic fatty acids -- 16%-23%, to be exact. Well, this fatty acid is essential for stopping premature aging, and it decreases in concentration significantly in aging skin. Applying it topically can help stop this from happening, thereby preventing fine lines and wrinkles.
Nature is full of wonderful oils -- like camellia oil, jojoba, squalane, and coconut oil -- that can work wonders on the skin. Macadamia nut oil is certainly one more that should be added to the list.
Find it in: Cloud Whip Day Cream, All In Eye Cream, Daydreamer Restorative Moisturizer